CHAP.XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.
RICHMOND, Va., November 12, 1861.
Major General LEONIDAS POLK:
MY DEAR SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of November 6, which I had the pleasure to receive from your son, and to reply that I think the present condition of the service imperiously demands your continuance in the Army, at least until there is such change as will justify me in substituting you by another.
I did not expect General Johnston to relieve you of your special charge, nor is it possible that he should do so. His command embraces so great an extent of territory, that its successful defense must mainly depend upon the efficiency of the division commanders.
You are master of the subject involved in the defense of the Mississippi and its contiguous territory. You have just won a victory, which gives you fresh claim to the affection and confidence of your troops. How should hope to replace you without injury to the cause which you beautifully and reverently described to me when you resolved to enter the military service as equally that of our altars and our firesides? Whilst our trust is in God as our shield, He requires of us that all human means shall be employed to justify us in expecting His favor.
I must ask of your, then, to postpone your resignation, and to be assured that I will not forget your desire to resume your functions as bishop of a diocese of the church, and will be happy to gratify your wish as soon as the public welfare will permit.
Very respectfully, your friend,
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, Bowling Green, November 12, 1861.
General POLK, Columbus:
General Johnston's order for railroad transportation to be at Paris yesterday morning was, he is told by Quartermaster Stevenson, countermanded from Columbus. He no directs the arrangements to be made by you to the end that cars may meet General Pillow at the time and place he may appoint. Add a regiment to his division, and send his force to Clarsville as speedily as possible. Tell General Pillow to be on his guard. It is here reported that the enemy have crossed Green River at Calhoun.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL, Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH KENTUCKY REGIMENT, Russellville, November 12, 1861.
Major GEORGE B. COSBY, Assistant Adjutant-General:
SIR: A courier came in last night with a letter from General Tilghman, in which he stated that a body of troops was moving i his direction from Madisonville and Greenville; that about 200 cavalry had passed from Greenville to Pond River Bridge, and asking me to move a small force towards Sulphur Lick, with a small scout of cavalry to watch their flank and rear. I replied to the general that my force here was small; that I had no cavalry; but that I would try send out a mounted party in the direction he indicated. I then supposed I
